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Friday, 14 August 2015

Carousel - '2113' (Album Review)

By: Kat Hilton

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 28/08/2015

Label: Tee Pee Records

‘2113’ is a blur of dynamic, late night booze fuelled journeys filled with timeless hooks and immensely powerful solos. A band that knows how to capture your attention; they filter the music of their childhood heroes add a contemporary twist and their unique flair and create magic. They build on their concrete foundation of strong vocals and catchy choruses, wrap up some tight backing and present a very pleasing album complete with a jazzy little bow.

The Pittsburgh rockers Carousel are back with ‘2113’, the follow up to their hit debut ‘Jeweler’s Daughter’ of 2013. The rocking foursome welcome their new guitarist Matt to spaff out 8 guitar laden chunks of loveliness and a cheeky Joe Walsh cover.Their opening gambit ‘Trouble’captures my interest immediately with a thumping drum driven intro amidst the guitar madness.Riffs exploding through the speakers, the squawk of strings and incessant aural battery. Phew! Just as I think I need a second, the vocals make their appearance, solid, melodic and with a hint of growl all topped off with a truckload of strutting confidence, leave this song in the memory bank for a while. Wheeler shines here; a delightful vocal mix of 70’s blues rock, 80’s screamingand grungy 90’s enrobed by the laid back sexy stoner attitude is engaging.

‘Photograph’ is up next with a sexy little groove that gets the hips going, redolent of smoky bars, cheap whisky and one night hook ups; it swoons the senses and inflames the libido with its thrumming vibrations. An excellent solo midway keeps up the vibe before it is taken over by what can only be described as a Wah fiesta....some fucker has found that pedal and he is going to make it earn its money! ‘Jim’s Song’ is an upbeat, bluesy number chock full of the pant wettingly (take that as you will) good guitar riffs, the up tempo swagger filled vocals and impressive drum work typifies their style and demonstrates their excellence. ‘Man Like Me’ whiny guitars-check, thrashing drums- check, good bass line- check, swarthy vocals, that yes, would encourage me to love a man like that,- check, really need I say anymore, aural pleasure- get on it!

Lastly, ‘cos if someone covers Joe Walsh, you just have to write about it, ‘Turn To Stone’, and well, what can I say? Soulful with flashes of Brent Smith style vocals, expertly executed riffs, blending acoustics and crying guitar make this an immensely pleasurable cover that will linger filling up the senses. ‘2113’ is a blur of dynamic, late night booze fuelled journeys filled with timeless hooks and immensely powerful solos. A band that knows how to capture your attention; they filter the music of their childhood heroes add a contemporary twist and their unique flair and create magic. They build on their concrete foundation of strong vocals and catchy choruses, wrap up some tight backing and present a very pleasing album complete with a jazzy little bow.

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